“90210”: Avoiding The Gutter Balls

Maybe it’s because there was a little more emphasis on the parents (I am a parent, after all). And maybe it’s because the episode carried some emotional oomph and felt a little more focused. Whatever the reasons, I actually didn’t think “90210” sucked last night.

Yes, I listened to many of you blog commentators who urged me to stick with the CW’s new teen reboot and give it another chance after I panned last week’s pilot. And I’m glad I did — for the most part.

Oh, there were still plotlines that you could see coming from miles away: Primiarily the one in which Naomi spotted her dad kissing another woman. And much of the writing was still soggy and slack, but there were some nice touches as well.

I liked the whole premise of Papa and Mama Wilson forcing a Friday “family night” upon Annie and Dixon because they’re feeling a little estranged since arriving in frenzied SoCal — and at a bowling alley, no less! Of course, the kids urge their friends to show up, making it not so much of a “family” night and leaving Harry and Debbie to wonder if their kids really want to spend quality time with them anymore and/or whether, as parents, they’re “cool enough.” It’s a dynamic that any mom or dad of teens can relate to.

The “90210” producers promised during the TV critics tour that their show would not shun the parents as so many teen soaps do. And so far they’ve lived up to their word. Last night’s episode, if a bit heavy-handed, was all about how family values override wealth and materailism (See Naomi shed tears when dad cancels a trip to Vegas with her — even though he buys her a new car as payback; See Silver clash with her alcoholic mom and gaze enviously upon the tight-knit Wilsons).

I also liked the fact that we were rewarded with a little more Jennie Garth last night as she tentatively ventured into a relationship with a fellow teacher and even got in a hot smooch. And, like a lot of fans, I’ve become a sucker for the whole “Who’s-the-Daddy?” mystery. “We had a lot of history in high school and didn’t see each other for a while,” Kelly explained, never mentioning a name. “Then we hooked up one night four years ago …”

So, who do you think it is — Brandon or Dylan? (And am I the only one who thinks the kid actually resembles Steve?). I have a feeling the writers don’t even know yet. They’re probably waiting to see which actor (if any) they can sign to do a guest gig.